Profile: Derin Su Çolakoğlu – Only Natural Design Competitions

Derin Su Çolakoğlu

Yeditepe University

I am Derin Çolakoğlu, an Interior Architecture student at Yeditepe University with a strong passion for furniture design, sustainable materials, and user-centered design. Throughout my academic journey, I have focused on developing innovative, functional, and manufacturable solutions that combine aesthetics, ergonomics, and environmental responsibility. During my education, I have participated in a variety of design studios, competitions, and professional projects that have strengthened my skills in concept development, technical drawing, 3D modeling, rendering, and presentation. As part of university projects, I developed concept designs inspired by the design approaches of international companies such as IKEA and HSBC, gaining valuable experience in corporate design processes and contemporary workspace solutions. These experiences have enhanced my understanding of creating practical designs that meet both user needs and production requirements. My primary areas of interest include sustainable furniture design, material innovation, and circular design strategies. I enjoy exploring the potential of recycled materials and integrating them into contemporary furniture with both aesthetic and functional value. In addition to my academic work, another furniture design I developed is currently in the industrial design registration process, reflecting my commitment to originality and innovation. I am proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Adobe Photoshop, enabling me to manage the entire design process from research and concept development to visualization and technical documentation. My long-term goal is to contribute to the furniture and interior architecture industry by designing sustainable, export-oriented, and user-focused products that respond to contemporary lifestyles while creating environmental, social, and economic value through thoughtful and responsible design.

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Vira

Category: Furniture

Competitions: Home Competition 2026

Vira is a multifunctional furniture system designed to encourage reading, relaxation, and short-term work while promoting sustainability and efficient use of space. The project was developed in response to the growing need for furniture that combines multiple functions without compromising comfort or aesthetics. Instead of using separate seating and storage units, Vira integrates both into a single, cohesive design. One of the key features of the project is its ability to support different sitting positions. Users can sit upright while reading, lean back to relax, or adopt more casual seating postures depending on their needs. The integrated bookshelf keeps books and personal belongings within easy reach, creating a comfortable and organized personal space. Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the design. The seating elements are manufactured from recycled plastic collected from materials such as plastic bottle caps, CDs, and single-use plastic cutlery. These materials are sorted, processed into recycled plastic granules, and formed into single-piece components using molding technology. Their natural color variations create unique textures, eliminating the need for additional pigments. The table and bookshelf are made from FSC-certified birch plywood, ensuring responsible sourcing and long-lasting durability. Vira is designed with production and export in mind. The wooden components can be manufactured using CNC technology, while the plastic seating elements are suitable for mass production through molding processes. Its compact layout reduces storage and transportation volume, making logistics more efficient. By combining sustainability, functionality, manufacturability, and contemporary aesthetics, Vira offers an innovative furniture solution for modern living spaces and demonstrates how recycled materials can be transformed into high-value, user-centered products.